Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Tems has announced the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking program designed to support young women in music across Africa. The initiative launches August 8-9 in Lagos, marking a significant step toward addressing gender inequality in the music industry. This program represents Tems’ commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of female artists, producers, and songwriters.
The announcement comes at a crucial time when the music industry faces stark gender disparities. Only 22% of artists worldwide are female, while just 12.8% of songwriters and 3% of producers are women. Tems aims to change these statistics by providing access, tools, and mentorship to talented young women across the continent.
“My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help discover and support talented young women who have the potential to redefine the industry,” Tems stated. The program will eventually expand globally, starting with African cities before reaching major markets worldwide.
Tems Addresses Music Industry Gender Gap Through Leading Vibe Initiative
The music industry’s gender problem has persisted for decades, with women significantly underrepresented in key creative roles. These statistics reflect broader systemic issues that prevent women from accessing opportunities in music production and songwriting. Tems recognizes these challenges from her own experience navigating the industry as a young woman.
Rather than simply discussing the problem, Tems has created a tangible solution through the Leading Vibe Initiative. The program directly addresses barriers that prevent women from entering and succeeding in music careers. By focusing on Africa first, Tems acknowledges the continent’s growing influence in global music while supporting local talent.
The initiative stems from Tems’ personal journey in the music industry without adequate support systems. She experienced firsthand the challenges young women face when trying to establish themselves in music. Now, with her platform and success, she’s building the infrastructure she wishes existed during her early career.
Lagos Program Kicks Off with Workshops and Mentorship Opportunities
The inaugural Leading Vibe Initiative will begin with an intimate event on August 8, followed by a full training day on August 9. Participants will access workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions covering various aspects of music creation and business. The program provides comprehensive training from songwriting and production to industry business practices.
Native Instruments has partnered with the initiative, providing access to professional-grade production tools for participants. This partnership ensures that participants receive hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and software. The collaboration demonstrates the program’s commitment to providing real-world, applicable skills to participants.
The Lagos launch serves as a pilot program for the broader initiative’s expansion plans. Tems and her team will use insights from this first program to refine the curriculum and approach. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention and meaningful connections between participants and industry professionals.
Grammy Winner Uses Platform to Create Opportunities for African Women
Tems has spent recent years reshaping perceptions of African artists on the global stage through her collaborations and awards recognition. Her Grammy wins and Oscar nomination have opened doors that were previously closed to many African artists. Now, she’s leveraging this success to create pathways for other women in the industry.
The Leading Vibe Initiative represents an expansion of Tems’ growing influence beyond her music career. She’s using her platform strategically to address systemic issues rather than just personal advancement. This approach demonstrates her commitment to lifting others while building her own legacy.
Her collaborations with major international artists have provided valuable insights into global music markets. These experiences inform the program’s curriculum, ensuring participants learn both local and international industry practices. Tems’ global perspective enriches the program’s ability to prepare participants for diverse opportunities.
Application Process Opens for Young Women Across Africa
Interested candidates can apply for the Leading Vibe Initiative at leadingvibe.com/initiative until July 13th. The application deadline creates urgency for qualified participants to submit their materials promptly. The straightforward application process ensures accessibility for young women across different backgrounds and locations.
The program targets young women who show potential to redefine the music industry through their talent and dedication. Selection criteria likely include musical ability, commitment to growth, and potential for industry impact. The competitive application process ensures that selected participants are serious about their music careers.
Geographic focus on Africa allows the program to address specific regional challenges and opportunities in the music industry. African music markets have unique characteristics that require specialized knowledge and approaches. The program’s regional focus ensures relevant, applicable training for participants’ local contexts.
Future Expansion Plans Include Global Rollout in Major Cities
Plans are already underway to expand the Leading Vibe Initiative across Africa later this year. The program will eventually reach major cities worldwide, creating a global network of supported female music professionals. This expansion strategy allows for organic growth while maintaining program quality and effectiveness.
The global rollout will adapt the program’s core principles to different regional music markets and cultural contexts. Each expansion will consider local industry dynamics, cultural factors, and market opportunities. This approach ensures the program remains relevant and effective across diverse musical landscapes.
Future programs will likely build upon lessons learned from the Lagos pilot and subsequent African expansions. The initiative’s growth strategy prioritizes sustainability and long-term impact over rapid scaling. This careful approach increases the likelihood of meaningful, lasting change in the music industry’s gender dynamics.
